What are the differences between National 4 and National 5 vehicles?

[AylaAnn]

The differences between National 4, National 5, and National 6 standards lie in the principles of fuel usage and emission standards. Here are the detailed explanations: Principles of fuel usage differ: During the National 4 and National 5 phases, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards; National 6 adopts a fuel-neutral principle, where emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Emission standards differ: Compared to National 3, National 4 reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 30% for light-duty vehicles and 50% for heavy-duty vehicles; National 5 further reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 25% for light-duty vehicles and 43% for heavy-duty vehicles compared to National 4; National 6 reduces particulate emissions by 40% compared to National 5, and for heavy-duty diesel vehicles, nitrogen oxides and particulates will be reduced by 60% compared to the National 5 phase.

[LeoAnn]

I've personally experienced the main differences between National 4 and National 5 vehicles. The National 4 emission standard was implemented around 2010 with less stringent pollution control. My older car that meets this standard can still run normally, but in big cities like Shanghai, it often faces traffic restrictions, making it difficult to enter the inner ring roads and forcing me to take detours. The National 5 standard, introduced in 2017, is much stricter, reducing pollutants by at least 50%. Driving a National 5 car feels like the air is fresher, although fuel consumption is slightly higher due to additional filtration systems. When I was buying a used car, I found that National 4 vehicles are cheaper and easier to find, but they might be phased out in the coming years. National 5 cars, though more expensive, hold their value better. Maintenance-wise, National 4 vehicles are simpler and cheaper, while National 5 cars have more sensors and are prone to minor issues. However, upgrading for the environment is the right path. Nowadays, driving a National 5 car is indeed much more convenient without restrictions.

[Viola]

I'm quite concerned about environmental issues. The main difference between National 4 and National 5 standards lies in emissions. National 4, established in 2010, has looser pollution limits, allowing vehicles to emit more pollutants like nitrogen oxides, which has a greater impact on air quality. National 5, upgraded in 2017, has much stricter regulations with significant emission reduction effects – for example, particulate matter is reduced by more than half, which greatly helps with urban smog control. I regularly monitor air quality data, and National 5 vehicles are greener and healthier to drive, especially for families with children. From a usage perspective, National 5 vehicles have more freedom in new car registration and road travel, and while they may be slightly more expensive, it's worth it in the long run. From an environmental standpoint, accelerating the promotion of higher standards like National 6 is necessary to improve quality of life. Maintenance is simple, but emission checks are stricter, though the overall benefits are substantial.

[Camille]

When I was buying a used car, I faced the choice between National 4 and National 5 emission standards. National 4 cars, with older emission standards, are usually a few thousand yuan cheaper and easier to find. However, in big cities like Beijing, there might be driving restrictions making them unusable. National 5 cars, introduced after 2017, have stricter pollution controls, are more expensive, but hold their value better and are more convenient on the road. The difference is that National 4 cars are simpler with lower maintenance costs, while National 5 cars have more complex systems that are more expensive to repair. When choosing a car, I noticed that the National 5 emission label is better for long-term hassle-free use. National 4 cars face more registration restrictions, with many places no longer allowing them, while National 5 cars can still be used for many years. If the budget is tight, National 4 is an option, but city policies must be considered.